In a recent appearance on the Today Show, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, attempted to present herself as a culinary expert, but the effort was anything but successful.
As she gears up for the launch of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, set to premiere on January 15th, viewers were treated to a spectacle that left many questioning her credibility in the kitchen.
The segment quickly turned into a viral sensation, but not for the reasons Markle had hoped.
The former royal aimed to showcase a supposedly simple roasted chicken recipe, yet her execution raised eyebrows.
Viewers couldn’t help but notice her long designer nails clicking against the cookware—an absolute no-no in professional kitchens.
Chef Marco Santiago, who boasts experience in Michelin-starred establishments, emphasized that no reputable chef would cook while sporting artificial nails.
“It’s not just about looks; it’s a matter of hygiene and safety,” he remarked.
Markle’s culinary misadventure didn’t stop at her nails.
As she fumbled through her demonstration, the chicken began to smoke, triggering fire alarms in the studio.
Her attempt to brush off the blunder with a laugh only underscored what critics deemed an obvious effort to profit from yet another aspect of her life without possessing the necessary skills.
This cooking mishap couldn’t have come at a worse time, just days before the highly anticipated launch of her Netflix show.
Insiders reveal that the production team faced numerous challenges while filming the series, with executives reportedly anxious about Markle’s actual cooking abilities.
“Several episodes had to be reshot because the food didn’t look appetizing,” shared one source who wished to remain anonymous.
The contrast between Markle’s polished social media persona and her real-life culinary struggles has sparked intense debate about authenticity in today’s influencer-driven culture.
Even Tilly Ramsay, daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, weighed in on the situation, stating, “Everyone has to start somewhere.
But maybe it’s best to hone your skills before you put yourself out there as an expert.” This incident has reignited discussions about Markle’s pattern of reinvention—from actress to royal to podcaster, and now aspiring chef.
Critics argue that each new venture seems more about maintaining relevance than showcasing genuine passion or expertise.
Marketing expert Sarah Collins noted, “What we’re witnessing is a classic case of brand overextension.
Not every celebrity can become a Martha Stewart overnight.” The backlash against Markle has been palpable, especially on social media, where professional chefs launched a trending hashtag, #RealChefsNoCheating, sharing images of their unadorned hands while preparing food.
This movement serves as a pointed critique of Markle’s apparent prioritization of style over substance.
Palace sources recall that during her time as a working royal, Markle’s attempts to cook for family events were met with polite refusals.
One insider hinted at a particularly memorable incident involving a holiday pudding that, frankly, they would rather forget.
The palace kitchens, it seems, were notably quiet during her residency.
As With Love, Meghan prepares for its debut, Netflix shareholders are reportedly feeling uneasy about the show’s potential success, especially after the debacle on the Today Show.
While Markle’s loyal fans will undoubtedly tune in, many industry analysts predict a skeptical response from the wider audience regarding her latest reinvention.
Promotional materials for the show promise to unveil the “real Meghan,” highlighting her experiences with food and friendship.
Yet, after the Today Show fiasco, many viewers are left wondering which version of her they will actually encounter—the composed presenter or the flustered amateur cook behind the well-manicured facade.
Restaurant critic James Peterson succinctly captured the essence of the situation: “In the culinary world, you can’t fake it till you make it.
Your food either speaks for itself or it doesn’t speak at all.” Ultimately, the glittering lights of the studio could not conceal the glaring gaps in Markle’s culinary expertise, leaving many to question whether she should really be stepping into the role of a culinary guru.